Dutch filmMeat Kills (originally titled Vleesdag) has carved its name into cinema history as the bloodiest Dutch horror film ever produced. Directed by Martijn Smits, the 2025 release has garnered significant attention. The reason is that it is the first film from the Netherlands to receive the dreaded NC-17 rating. This signals a level of violence that pushes the genre’s boundaries.
A Narrative of Revenge and Ruin
The story centers on Mirthe, an animal rights activist who infiltrates a local pig farm to document severe animal cruelty. However, the mission takes a dark turn. The group returns to rescue the livestock, only to find the animals have already been slaughtered. Overcome by rage, the group’s leader, Nasha, abandons the liberation plan in favor of retribution. The result is a spiraling, violent confrontation between the activists and the farming family.
Unlike many modern slashers that rely on camp or comedy to soften the blow, Meat Kills is described as a grim, serious entry into European horror. Critics have praised the film for its impressive practical effects and its willingness to tackle complex themes—specifically the moral ambiguity of extremism and the cycle of violence. It stands as a thought-provoking, albeit stomach-churning, commentary on societal cruelty.
Out Now
After its premiere at Fantastic Fest and a release in the Netherlands this past September, it is now available globally. Horror fans can stream Meat Kills exclusively on SCREAMBOX, or rent/purchase it via Amazon Video and Apple TV.
